At first, GOP expected no endorsement from Scozzafava

When Republican Dede Scozzafava dropped out of the race for Congress in New York's 23rd District, she issued what sounded like a conciliatory statement making peace with her party's base:

I am and have always been a proud Republican. It is my hope that with my actions today, my Party will emerge stronger and our District and our nation can take an important step towards restoring the enduring strength and economic prosperity that has defined us for generations.

The following day, she endorsed the Democrat in the race against Doug Hoffman, the Conservative Party nominee now backed by the RNC. Her action was in direct conflict with her statement.

According to a GOP source, a Hoffman endorsement had never been in the cards. Republicans did reach out to Scozzafava, who originally agreed last week to issue the statement, release her supporters, and make no endorsement upon exiting the campaign. But something changed — apparently the White House succeeded in persuading her.